I'd make a point of watching airfare. At some point they start going up again, so there's an optimum time to be buying. Of course, if you start second-guessing yourself, that's a different set of problems. You also might want to keep an eye on the exchange rate. If the pound gets stronger than the dollar, you'll have savings.

Anyway, every year we get a few newbs who are like you; they participate all year long, research everything, have spreadsheets, ask intelligent questions, all that stuff. I figure it's part of your character, and you do a lot of planning in most circumstances.

The Lady with a Lamprey

"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri

K-mom wrote:Who wants to meet up and have a 30 beers in 24 hrs party-on-the-playa? Ties in nicely with the frat house theme next year!

Okay, I used to live on Frat Row in Chico. And that gives me the horrors. Alcohol poisoning is something I'd rather not see on the playa. Yeah, you're probably not really going that far, but I still don't like it.

YMMV

The Lady with a Lamprey

"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri

Trishntek wrote:This is the time to plan! Be flexible for changes, but it gives one time to refine ideas and learn all you can now. The more preparation the smoother your burn will be.

This is so true Cheyenne! This year was my first and I began planning (spreadsheets and such) last February, the day we bought our tickets. I collected some excellent tips from people here. We used pretty much everything we brought (except a few costumes and some cold weather clothing). Our first playa experience was not only fun, and exciting but comfortable and relaxed. I don't think one can be too prepared for such an adventure. My only regret is that we didn't see more of the incredible art. We tended to spend a lot of time at our camp. I'm not sorry we did, just wish we had gotten out and about more.

I'd be happy to share my lists of what worked and what didn't with you as I'm sure others here will be.

I figure it's part of your character, and you do a lot of planning in most circumstances.

You are absolutely right! I plan everything down to the last laminated menu board for the daily communal meal when I go camping

I'm an Archaeologist, and organisation is vital to do a job with any level of credible quality...

I suppose I don't like leaving anything to chance .. and I hate it when I have to rely on others who do...

I'm really grateful that I have learnt more about the dynamics of Burning Man from people on here than I ever could from some official blurb. The gifting thing has been an eye opener too... I was hoping that gifting meant I could bring people with skills and some supplies rather than some pointless rubbish that had no real connection in the lives of fellow travellers (I like the communist adjective)... I think I see Burning Man a symbol of Interdependance - which I think is far more important than seeing it as a collection of people all fending for themselves.

Will check out the flights in Jan-March for the summer.

It would be absolutely wicked if we could do a Forum meet and greet... we usually do it with some of the festies over here I'm involved with and its a top opportunity to meet some awesome people ...

For me also, 2011 will be a pivotal year for me - I will be relocating to the rural mountains of mid-Wales, taking off the self employment thing properly and generally be trying to stick to my principles of putting others before myself - so as you say, its a Rites of passage thing that will be very impotant! x

Cheyenne wrote:I was hoping that gifting meant I could bring people with skills and some supplies rather than some pointless rubbish that had no real connection in the lives of fellow travellers (I like the communist adjective)...

Ah, even I, a lover of small cute stuff, admit that you are on the right track.
The meet 'n' greet in Thursday at 6:00 pm at Barbie Death Village and Wine Bistro.
A fair number of the personages on the board pass through the Booby Bar and Terminal City over the course of a week.

The Lady with a Lamprey

"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri

K-mom wrote:Who wants to meet up and have a 30 beers in 24 hrs party-on-the-playa? Ties in nicely with the frat house theme next year!

Okay, I used to live on Frat Row in Chico. And that gives me the horrors. Alcohol poisoning is something I'd rather not see on the playa. Yeah, you're probably not really going that far, but I still don't like it.

YMMV

heh, thanks for the concertn 'Fishist, it is just a joke. Like I'd actually remember any pre-Burn plans I'd made!
but anyways I find I can drink beer almost endlessly out there (on a 1:1 ratio with h2o of course) without getting drunk. Between the water and sweating/pissing it out, tends to have little to no effect. But I really only drink beer in the default world, no wine or liquor, so I have an exceptionally high tolerance - takes me 8 to 10 to get drunk normally.